Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Combination with Hand Sanitizer against Foodborne and Spoilage Bacteria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are recognized for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against foodborne bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. This study investigated whether AgNPs at varying concentrations (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%) could enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of a diluted hand sanitizer (1%) against these three strains. Bacterial growth was monitored by optical density (OD600) at 2, 4, and 24 hours post-inoculation. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed AgNP synthesis (SPR peak at 430 nm). The optimum AgNP concentration was organism-dependent: 0.25% AgNPs with 1% sanitizer produced greatest inhibition of E. coli and B. subtilis at 4 hours, while 0.50% AgNPs showed superior and sustained inhibition of S. aureus at 4 and 24 hours. These differences are attributed to cell wall architecture. AgNP-enhanced sanitizers show potential for food safety applications, though cytotoxicity concerns require resolution before human use.
Authors: Neha Chatterjee, Akshada Shankar Ganesh, Arjya Roy, Aniesha Owlak
Institution: Vellore Institute of Technology University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154178602
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